Endodontic Retreatment

For the majority of patients, teeth treated with a root canal will last as long as natural teeth. However, the human body is very complex and at times root canal treatment is not successful. Patients may develop discomfort several years after initial treatment. If so, retreatment may be required.

Causes of root canal failure:

Curved or narrow canals were not treated during the initial treatment.

Complicated canals went undetected during the initial treatment.

The crown or restoration was not placed within the appropriate time after root canal treatment was performed.

The crown or restoration did not prevent saliva/bacteria from contaminating the root canal system.

A new cavity or cracked filling can allow bacteria to infect the root canal system.

With the advancements in technology, retreatment is often preferred over surgical treatment (apicoectomy). For the patient, the retreatment procedure will be very similar to the nonsurgical treatment. Dr. Sahni will re-access the root canal system under the surgical microscope. Careful observation of any fractures or missed canals will be performed. All old root canal fillings will be removed and all canals will be disinfected. After retreatment is complete, you will return to your general dentist to restore the tooth with a permanent restoration and/or crown.